C.L. Culpepper

Nancy Leigh DeMoss: Dr. C.L. Culpepper was trying to work hard for God. As a missionary to China in the 1920s, he was meeting with other Christian leaders, praying that God would send revival. Yet he himself felt spiritually dry.

Finally, he prayed, “Lord, what is it in me?” That’s an important question.

The next day he returned to the group of praying leaders and confessed his sin of pride. He loved to be praised as a “good missionary” and was stealing glory from God. His confession brought a spirit of brokenness to all of those believers and ultimately paved the way for the Shantung Revival. God answered their prayers, but first brought them to a place of brokenness.

We’re all susceptible to spiritual pride. That’s why we need to ask, “Lord, what is it in me?” Remember 1 Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”